The Indigenous World 2026: The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)

Written on 22 April 2026. Posted in The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP)

The Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) is a subsidiary body of the Human Rights Council composed of seven independent members, one from each of the seven Indigenous sociocultural regions: Africa; Asia; the Arctic; Central and Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation, Central Asia and Transcaucasia; Central and South America and the Caribbean; North America; and the Pacific. Human Rights Council Resolution 33/25 (2016), amended EMRIP’s mandate to provide the Council with expertise and advice on the rights of Indigenous Peoples as set out in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and to assist Member States, upon request, in achieving the ends of the UNDRIP through technical assistance, dialogue facilitation and the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

To that end, EMRIP undertakes regular thematic studies on specific rights enshrined in UNDRIP and conducts country engagement, which may include, inter alia: country missions; training activities for State institutions, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, national human rights institutions and other stakeholders; virtual and in-person meetings in Geneva or in other locations; email exchanges; and formal communication through diplomatic channels.

This article is part of the 40^th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. Find The Indigenous World 2026 in full here

EMRIP’s activities in 2025

In 2025, EMRIP continued its work through its annual session, intersessional meetings, expert seminars, and coordination with other Indigenous mechanisms. These activities enabled sustained dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, Member States, civil society, academics, national human rights institutions and UN entities, ensuring that EMRIP’s work remained grounded in the lived experiences of Indigenous communities. The expert seminar, held in early December facilitated the collection of evidence-based information, country-specific examples, and normative perspectives, and provided substantive inputs into EMRIP’s ongoing studies and reports.

EMRIP held its 18^th annual session from 14-18 July 2025 featuring three panel discussions, among other items on the agenda: i) International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032; ii) The role of national and regional human rights institutions in achieving the ends of the UNDRIP; and iii) Enhancing the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the UN. Participation reached a record high of over 680 registered participants. In addition to the formal agenda, the session included 33 side events organized by Indigenous organizations, civil society, Member States, and other stakeholders, addressing a wide range of Indigenous rights issues. During the session, EMRIP received in-session and written contributions for two major outputs: the thematic study on “The right of Indigenous Peoples to data, including with regard to data collection and disaggregation” and the report on “The rights of Indigenous Peoples to their traditional economies”, enriching both with diverse regional perspectives and practical examples.

Beyond its own sessions, EMRIP continued to cooperate with other mechanisms to advance Indigenous Peoples’ rights in line with UNDRIP. It participated in the 24^th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (21 April - 2 May 2025), contributed to human rights dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the annual review of progress on the implementation of CEDAW’s general recommendation no. 39.^[1] EMRIP also held an interactive dialogue with the Human Rights Council at its 60^th session in September 2025^[2] and took part in the Council’s annual panel discussion on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, which focused on rights in relation to a just transition to sustainable energy systems, including critical minerals.^[3] At EMPRIP’s proposal,^[4] the next annual panel discussion of the Council, at its 63^rd session in September 2026, will focus on Indigenous Peoples’ rights and engagement in the context of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention.

As a Steering Committee member, EMRIP participated in meetings of the Global Task Force for establishing an International Decade for Indigenous Languages in March, July, and November 2025.^[5] EMRIP also took part in key high-level and thematic events, including the UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum, Asia Pacific; a panel convened by the Intergovernmental Working Group the Right to Development on “the collective dimension of the right to development”;^[6] a panel on “Harmony with Nature” at the Fifth Session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law;^[7] and a high-level panel marking the 60^th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).^[8] In addition, the Chair attended the 3^rd Global-Hub Meeting of the World Food Forum in Rome. She also contributed to a workshop on the UN Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes, focusing on the protection of Indigenous Peoples in Isolation and Initial Contact.

Thematic study and report adopted

At its 18^th session, EMRIP adopted its thematic study entitled “The right of Indigenous Peoples to data, including with regard to data collection and disaggregation” (A/HRC/60/66).^[9] The study analysed the fundamental human right of Indigenous Peoples to data, highlighting its legal significance as a cultural, strategic, and economic resource intrinsically linked to Indigenous Peoples’ rights to sovereignty and self-determination. It emphasized Indigenous data sovereignty and data governance, recognizing that data relating to Indigenous Peoples, their territories, cultures, resources, and ways of life must be subject to their control and decision-making authority. The study examined how international legal frameworks implicitly recognize Indigenous Peoples’ rights to access, control, and manage data about their communities and lands. UNDRIP was identified as affirming an inherent right to data autonomy in multiple areas, including the dissemination of information, research, and the collection of data aimed at improving social and economic conditions.

The study concluded with Expert Mechanism Advice No. 18, proposing actions for States, Indigenous Peoples and key stakeholders on the collection, disaggregation, use, protection, and ownership of data, with particular attention to Indigenous women at every stage of the data process. It underscored respect for self-determination, and the integration of cultural protocols and knowledge systems into data frameworks.

EMRIP also adopted its report entitled “Efforts to implement the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples: the rights of Indigenous Peoples and their traditional economies” (A/HRC/60/67).^[10] The report examined traditional economies through the lens of key principles, including legal protections, recognition of Indigenous governance systems, tenure rights, and the effective implementation of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC). It highlighted the role of traditional economies in promoting food sovereignty, preserving traditional knowledge, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing climate resilience. It affirmed that the continuation of traditional economies is a right, grounded in international and regional frameworks, including UNDRIP. The report concluded with recommendations for legal recognition of Indigenous economic systems, inclusive and gender-responsive governance, public investment in Indigenous livelihoods, and integration of Indigenous economic models into national and global sustainability frameworks.

EMRIP’s country engagement mandate

Throughout 2025, EMRIP advanced its country engagement mandate through continued dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, Member States, and other stakeholders. Following its 2024 mission to Norway, EMRIP issued a technical advisory note, in March 2025, on strengthening the rights of the Indigenous Sami people.^[11] The note addressed interrelated rights, particularly lands, territories and resources, and culture, and provided guidance to Sami organizations, representative institutions, and the Government of Norway on implementing domestic legislation, policies, and court decisions in line with international human rights standards, including free, prior and informed consent while emphasizing protection of lands, livelihoods, cultural practices, and the environment.

A dedicated panel at EMRIP’s 18^th session reviewed the missions to Australia (2023) and Norway (2024). On Australia, the Noongar Family Safety and Wellbeing Council acknowledged progress, including the increased roles of Aboriginal community-controlled organizations in child protection but raised concerns about the limited implementation of EMRIP’s technical advisory note and called for greater international attention to Indigenous children’s rights, including support for engagement with the Committee on the Elimination under its early warning urgent action procedures. The Australian government outlined measures underway, including appointing a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, strengthening the child protection workforce, enhancing cultural capability, promoting self-determination and increasing investment in Aboriginal community-controlled organizations.

 Regarding Norway, the Sami Council welcomed EMRIP’s technical advisory note but expressed concerns over industrial development on Sami lands, including the Fosen case, and the need to strengthen legislation on land encroachment and FPIC. The President of the Sami Parliament acknowledged the advisory note and supported continued dialogue on ratifying the Nordic Sami Convention. The Government of Norway noted areas of disagreement in the advisory note, and maintained that domestic legislation, including the Human Rights Act and the Sami Act, complies with international law, and stated that Sami rights holders are consulted in the early stages of land-use decision-making.

EMRIP also continued its dialogue with New Zealand, which accepted a follow-up to the 2019 visit, scheduled for 2027. A planned 2025 visit to Brazil was postponed due to UN financial constraints. Several new requests for country engagement from Indigenous Peoples’ organizations were under review at the end of the year, reflecting continued demand for EMRIP’s advisory and facilitative role.

Building relationships with other mechanisms

 In accordance with paragraph 10 of Human Rights Council resolution 33/25, EMRIP coordinated its work and strengthened its participation, engagement, and cooperation, as appropriate, with other Indigenous rights mechanisms.^[12] During its 18^th session, EMRIP held both an interactive dialogue and a closed coordination meeting with the Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and a representative of the Board of Trustees of the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples. These exchanges aimed to enhance coherence, avoid duplication, and identify opportunities for joint advocacy and follow-up recommendations.

International Decade of Indigenous Languages

During its 18^th session, EMRIP dedicated an agenda item to the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032). EMRIP reiterated the importance of national and local action plans developed in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples and grounded in a rights-based approach. It emphasized that language revitalization is inseparable from cultural identity, self-determination, and intergenerational knowledge transmission.

EMRIP called on the Human Rights Council to support the development of Indigenous-language friendly artificial intelligence-based interpretation tools for UN events and to promote artificial intelligence-based language revitalization initiatives with full respect for FPIC. It further proposed that the Council should encourage States and UNESCO to allocate adequate funding to implement the Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages,^[13] including support for Indigenous-led media, relevant language technologies, and the use of Indigenous languages in public services. Notably, EMRIP proposed that the Human Rights Council initiate deliberations aimed at developing a convention on Indigenous Peoples’ language rights.^[14]

Role of national and regional human rights institutions

EMRIP’s panel on the role of national and regional human rights institutions in achieving the aims of the UNDRIP featured contributions from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights Commission of New Zealand, the Commissioner for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Krasnoyarsk Territory, and the Chair of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights.

The discussion highlighted the central role of national and regional human rights institutions in bridging international standards and practical implementation, particularly through monitoring, accountability, and support for Indigenous rights. EMRIP welcomed existing cooperation between national human rights institutions and Indigenous Peoples, commended those institutions with dedicated Indigenous rights mandates, and called on the Human Rights Council to encourage States to establish such mechanisms, develop national action plans, legislation, and independent monitoring frameworks, in consultation with Indigenous Peoples. EMRIP further urged the Council to encourage States to mainstream the UNDRIP into national and regional human rights policies, including business and human rights frameworks.^[15]

Enhancing the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the UN

The panel on enhancing the participation of Indigenous Peoples in the UN reviewed outcomes from the two intersessional meetings and identified concrete steps to address participation barriers. Contributors advocated for a distinct, Indigenous-specific status within the UN system, separate from NGO or civil society modalities, and affirmed Indigenous Peoples’ right to determine their own representatives in accordance with self-determination, customary governance, and cultural practices. Australia and Canada supported an Indigenous-led, flexible, and transparent accreditation mechanism, with equal representation across the seven sociocultural regions, and strong protections from reprisals. Guatemala stressed the importance of not conflating Indigenous Peoples with “local communities” and identified limited financial resources as a major barrier. Indigenous representatives emphasized that meaningful participation requires not only access but also recognition, dignity, and equal status as rights holders.

EMRIP welcomed the joint report of the co-facilitators and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ participation in the Human Rights Council and endorsed its recommendations. It noted the historic participation of Indigenous Peoples in the Council as peoples and recognized the desire for clarity on the roadmap and timeline ahead. EMRIP urged the Council to build on the progress achieved so far in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, and to accelerate efforts to resource, facilitate, and maximize the participation of Indigenous Peoples’ political institutions and organizations in future dialogues.^[16]

Prospects for EMRIP’s future and continuing work

As mandated by the Human Rights Council,^[17] EMRIP decided to prepare a 2026 study on the status of Indigenous Peoples’ rights worldwide in achieving the ends of the UNDRIP, focusing on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in conflict and post-conflict situations in line with UNDRIP. To that end, the study will contribute to ongoing efforts related to Indigenous Peoples, peace and security.

            The issue of intimidation and reprisals against Indigenous human rights defenders remains an area of concern for EMRIP, including during its 18^th session. EMRIP has strongly condemned any form of intimidation or reprisals against individuals and groups who participate in the session or cooperate with the UN in the field of human rights. EMRIP is committed to maintaining an environment of respect, dialogue, and understanding. EMRIP aimed to strengthen its work in this regard, providing more information and developing some guidance.

This article was produced by the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Section, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

This article is part of the 40^th edition of The Indigenous World, a yearly overview produced by IWGIA that serves to document and report on the developments Indigenous Peoples have experienced. Find The Indigenous World 2026 in full here

Notes and references

^[1] UNPFII Human rights dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; annual review of progress on the implementation of general recommendation No. 39, 28 April 2025, https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1o/k1o73k3b8w

^[2] EMRIP. “Interactive Dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Opening Remarks by Anexa Alfred Cunningham.” September 2025, https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1y/k1yjueroii

^[3] 60^th session of Human Rights Council Annual half-day panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, 24 September 2025, https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k14/k14rrl8zfj

^[4] EMRIP Annual Report (2025) proposal 1, p 11, https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/60/65

^[5] UNESCO. “The Global Task Force for Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages” 2022-2032, https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-launches-global-task-force-making-decade-action-indigenous-languages and https://en.unesco.org/idil2022-2032/globaltaskforce;

^[6] 26^th session of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Right to Development; https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/issues/development/wg/session26/4.3.2-anexa-alfred-cunningham.pdf

^[7] 3^rd Meeting, 5^th Session, Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, 14 October 2025, https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k19/k192b9od21

^[8] High-level Commemorative Event: 60^th anniversary of the ICERD, 4 December 2025, https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1s/k1sdvyq0yx

^[9] United Nations. General Assembly. “Right of Indigenous Peoples to data, including with regard to data collection and disaggregation.” August 2025, https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/60/66

^[10] United Nations. General Assembly. “The Rights of Indigenous Peoples to their traditional economies.” May 2025, https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g25/066/95/pdf/g2506695.pdf

^[11] EMRIP Country Engagement Mission to Norway” Technical Advisory Note of the Expert Mechanism on the

Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” March 2025, https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/issues/indigenouspeoples/emrip/countryengagement/EMRIP-Norway-country-engagement-Advisory-note-19-03-2025.pdf

^[12] United Nations. General Assembly. “Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 30 September 2016.” October 2016, https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g16/224/16/pdf/g1622416.pdf

^[13] UNESCO. “Global Action Plan of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages”. 2024, https://www.unesco.org/en/decades/indigenous-languages/about/action-plan

^[14] EMRIP Annual Report (2025) proposal 11, pp 35-37, https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/60/65

^[15] United Nations. General Assembly. “Annual report of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” August 2025, A/HRC/60/65, proposal 2, pp. 13-16, https://docs.un.org/en/A/HRC/60/65

^[16] Ibid, proposal 6, p.5

^[17] In resolution 33/25, paragraph 2 (a)

Tags: Global governance